Round 7 of the ALMS Series to Road America
Posted by mike | Filed under automotive
Well, it’s that time of year again when i make the pilgrimage to Lake Elkhart, Wisconsin to Road America for the 7th round of the ALMS series. It’s always one of the highlights of my summer and this year my brother is going to be joining me out there as well. I will be posting photo updates to this site and also to my Flickr page. If you or anyone you know will be attending the event, give me a call.
Photos i took from past events can be found here: 2008, 2007
Information on the event can be found here:
2010 Camaro’s to Race in Koni Challenge Series
Posted by mike | Filed under automotive
It’s finally official, some more GM racing programs coming soon to a track near you. There will finally be a 2010 Camaro in the speed Koni Challenge series. The series features more production spec type racing than any other series. Limitations on many components and modifications keep the field in check despite having everything in the series from turbo AWD Volvo sedans to Dodge Vipers and Ford Mustangs. The new Camaro should slot home nicely in this series and put up a good battle against some other Detroit rivals. More information on the press release and photos of the car can be found via this link.
Corvette GT2′s Podium Finish on Debut
Posted by mike | Filed under automotive
Congrats to Corvette Racing and the guys at Pratt & Miller on the successful debut of the new GT2 Corvettes. I’m sure they were very proud and deserving of their 2nd and 4th place finishes this weekend at the Mid-Ohio motorplex. I watched the entirety of the race and it was great, good to see that the Bad Boy Vettes finally have some competition to race against…and beat. The 4th place Vette was pushed out on the final two laps by the BMW. I cannot wait to see the ALMS race this weekend at Road America, should be great.
More on the race and results at this link.
Testing New Wordbook Plug-in
Posted by admin | Filed under technology
I’m testing to see if this is working properly. This is a post from my WordPress blog, hopefully to show up on Facebook. So exciting.
Golden Gopher Football 2009
Posted by mike | Filed under news, sports
Well, luck has found me and i was selected (from the waiting list) to obtain a couple of season tickets in the new TCF Bank stadium on the U of M campus for 2009. I have not been this excited about Gopher football in….well, never. It will be a magical and historic first game on September 12th, 2009.
TCF Bank Stadium June 09
Link to the TCF Stadium website.
PMP Certified…FINALLY!
Posted by mike | Filed under career, news
After a long fought battle with PMI and their testing material, i passed the PMP exam on Saturday, June 27th 2009. I worked on this certification for about a year between the rigorous application process, to the classes, exam prep, and studying. In the end, i would say the knowledge and structured PMI methodology I’ve been able to use in practice has been invaluable. I use the information i have learned from this experience almost every day of my job. If you are currently working in a PM role professionally or have many hours of PM work under your belt, consider getting certified. Cerficiation will provide another benefit to a potential or current employer should you have it. A link to the standards body PMI.
HTC WiMo 6 -> iPhone 3GS
Posted by mike | Filed under technology
My oh my, how times change. Within 6 months of purchasing the HTC Touch Pro on Sprint….i switched to AT&T to get an iPhone 3GS. No comparison and i’d have to say, it’s probably the best phone i’ve ever used. It’s nearly as functional as a full tablet PC. If you are thinking of a new phone, seriously consider an iPhone 3GS.
Home 2009 Upgrades
Posted by mike | Filed under news
Last month we decided for the first project of 2009 to rip out all of the carpet upstairs (minus the bedrooms and bath), rip out the entry way flooring, all of the stairs, and put in 3/4″ Brazilian teak solid hardwood. While we were at it, we also decided to repaint, replace all of the old oak stained trim, doors, and closets. It’s been pretty crazy for the last couple of weeks. Hit the read more link to see some pics of the progress of the project. This spring we also plan to start on replacing the deck in the backyard.
The Little RSX-S That Could
Posted by mike | Filed under automotive, news
Being such an avid road racing fan for several years, I’ve found it very difficult to figure out how I can participate and start to learn the principles of road racing.
The first and foremost thing I knew I needed was a car that would be capable of autocross and track events; one that would probably be able to outdrive me at first but something I could grow into and could upgrade if I wanted to. This past fall I found an ’06 Acura RSX Type-S for a good deal that was in nearly new condition. I flew out to Philadelphia to purchase the car and drove it back to MN. I was able to sell the old TL…family sedan, about the farthest away from a track car as you could get and now I was ready, at least I had the hammer…I just needed the nails and other required items.
I was able to find a Zamp RZ-5 race helmet that was on closeout for a steal; almost over $300 off retail. It’s painted in Ferrari colors and looks really sharp…yeah, I don’t have a Ferrari but I LOVE them and I can dream right?! It’s my intention to get the helmet signed by Jamie Melo and Mika Salo at the ALMS race out at Road America this summer. Both of those drivers race for Risi Competizione in the ALMS GT2 class. The helmet meets all standards needed for road racing including SA2005 and FIA approvals. It also has posts needed for a HANS device.
So, what’s left. Well, if you’ve ever driven a car capable of cornering well, you know that it’s difficult to stay planted in the seat. I’m usually either laying on the door or sitting in the console and have a stranglehold on the steering wheel for leverage. This is not an optimal situation. To alleviate this problem I needed a 4 point harness. I was able to find one at Soloracer.com that would bolt right into my car with a minimal amount of modification or effort. It’s made by a company called Schroth who also makes the HANS devices for all of the different race series, so they are a very reputable company.
What’s left? I need to get my race tires/rims fixed up and purchase some DOT4+ rated brake fluids so that my brakes won’t catch fire or smolder. 
I also need a set of rotors and brake pads that are geared for a more industrial/race setup. Drilled rotors and ceramic race pads are probably what I’ll have to get eventually. I don’t think I’ll need this for the first few days of instruction but if I decide to get more serious I’ll probably have to drop some dime on these items.
BIR has road racing class/track instruction for entry level drivers at a very reasonable rate. The catch is that it’s really only affordable if you bring your own vehicle. $250 with your vehicle or $800+ to rent a spec Ford racer from the race school. Either way it’s not that expensive considering most other full day programs around the US are $1500+ and do not include plane tickets, meals, or anything else that would be required.
With my brother living up in Brainerd, this summer is shaping up to be one of the best on record for the “fun factor”. Free golf and road racing, what could be better?
History Made – Inauguration 2009
Posted by mike | Filed under family, friends, news
Yesterday, on the 20th of January 2009, the world saw history on the soil of the United States. Our 44th president was inaugurated in a wonderful swearing in ceremony.
I couldn’t help but feel optimistic, full of pride, and proud to be an American yesterday when i woke up for i knew what was in store and for the changes that would occur in our country for years to come. I feel that there has not been this kind of enthusiasm and excitement in US politics since JFK. There were over 2 million people that stood outside in freezing cold DC temps to witness the inauguration, that is amazing.
I hope you all are as excited as i am for positive changes and strong leadership in the US for the next few years, regardless of your party affiliation, it’s an exciting time for America. It will be a very challenging but fruitful future for the US should we execute well on our objectives. I also believe slowly we will begin to repair our world image and demonstrate the kind of quality decisions, exceptional attitudes, and vibrant economy the US is capable of.
Barack, lead us strong and true….
